The re-imagined Belmond Cap Juluca, now beautifully refurbished and expanded, as a showpiece in Anguilla, is poised to recapture and surpass the glorious days the original property had as the flagship of the island’s high-end tourism industry.
The large number of invited guests, at the resort’s grand opening on Monday afternoon, December 10, stood in awe in the courtyard of the just-completed events edifice – at the eastern end of the property – where the ceremony was held. The location provides a sweeping view across Maundays Bay where the multiple refurbished and new villas, and other facilities, line the northern end of the world-class beach.
Mr. Kevin Carty, the Belmond Cap Juluca Host, set the tone for the memorable ceremony describing Belmond as “a brand which is renowned for its collection of unique and iconic properties, luxury trains and river cruises…adding to, and enhancing, every individual property in its portfolio.”
He continued: “Here at Belmond Cap Juluca we provide great services, not just great vacations. We create phenomenal experiences that elevate the human spirit – experiences that last a lifetime.”
The Right Reverend Errol Brooks led the Invocation and hymn of praise and blessing. Among other matters he extolled the investors for bringing assistance to Anguilla’s economic development, and prayed that they would serve as ambassadors to attract more developers to Anguilla.
His Excellency Governor Tim Foy mentioned some of the immediate benefits the property would provide for Anguilla – including well-needed employment opportunities. “I think today’s event is a strategic signal to the world about Anguilla’s tourism product, and the willingness of investors to put serious money in that model despite adversity,” he opined. “We have seen it with CuisinArt and Malliouhana. It is very important, but today is particularly significant because, in many ways – no disrespect to the [other] properties on the island – Cap Juluca is the one we must follow and the signal it sends about Anguilla is important.”
The Governor thanked Belmond Ltd. for taking on the property in 2016/2017 with the intention to completely refurbish it. “They stuck with it and that’s very important – and something for which we should be grateful,” he stated. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our other investors who stayed with us. Those were dark days back in the first two weeks of September [following Hurricane Irma]. We were really concerned that investors would say enough is enough – we can’t make business work here, and leave. They didn’t, nor did the others, and for this we are very grateful.”
Governor Foy commended Mr. Tiago Sarmento, Belmond Cap Juluca’s General Manager, and his team for doing a fantastic job. He also commended Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks, and his team of Government officials, for dealing with one of the most complexed legal issues relating to resolving the ownership and settlement of Cap Juluca which allowed Belmond to take control of the property.
Governor Foy added: “Looking ahead, we obviously wish you [Belmond] well for the 2018/19 season which is looking pretty good. We wish you well because you made a long-term commitment to Anguilla for which I am certainly grateful, and I know Anguillians are as well. I pledge that I will continue to do whatever I can with the UK Government…to improve access to the island; to deal with some of the issues people don’t see the UK Government doing – which is fighting with the US Department of Health and the Center of Disease Control to actually say we don’t have a Zika problem. Above all, I say to everybody please stand with this property and with the people who have done so much.”
Chief Minister Banks described the opening of Belmond Cap Juluca as a historic day in the life of the property, noting that it was the first time in its existence that it is without legal disputes. “I consider this the fulfilment of our Government’s campaign promise: ‘to bring resolution to the Cap Juluca saga, and other lingering disputes that have plagued this property for more than thirty years,’” he said.
The Chief Minister, whose address is published elsewhere in this edition of The Anguillian, went on: “Belmond is a brilliant partner in this extraordinary development. I love it when a plan comes together. Belmond came in and united this property at a purchase price of approximately US$75 million – with an expected rehabilitation cost of around US$35 million. To date, the estimated cost for redevelopment is more than US$100 million. This investment has resulted in over 500 jobs directly and indirectly in the construction phase. The operational phase will require just as many workers.”
The Chief Minister added: “We appreciate the confidence Belmond has placed in our island by virtue of this huge investment. Let me take this opportunity to thank them, yet another time, on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla. And let us all work with them to guarantee an encouraging return on their investment in our island.”
Belmond’s Regional Director for North America, Mexico and the Caribbean, Mr. Rui Reis, said Belmond was one of the best brands around the globe, and he named the various properties owned by the UK-based company in various countries.
“The variety of experiences is connected by the extraordinary locations, authenticity and the amazing staff who deliver exceptional service every single day,” he told his listeners. “The new look at Belmond Cap Juluca is designed with all this in mind – to make the most of incredible views of Maundays Bay and to connect guests with the beauty of the destination.” He said the property offered guests time “to disconnect, slowdown and really escape from the everyday” situations of life.
Mr. Ruiz extended thanks and appreciation to a long list of persons, including Government officials, Belmond Cap Juluca personnel and others, for their assistance and services over the past eighteen months.
General Manager, Mr. Sarmento, who supervised the refurbishing and expansion of Belmond Cap Juluca, was happy to share the grand opening with the large gathering. He was welcomed to the podium by a large number of cheering staff members whom he praised for being the heart of the resort.
“Our reservation books for 2019 tell us that we will be completely filled for next year,” he reported. “I can tell you that until Easter we are going to be very, very busy. Our phones did not stop ringing since we opened up our reservation system back in April.” He was pleased with the family-like relationships among the Julucans and their extended relatives – and the hard work of the Julucans who transformed the construction site into a hotel resort for the grand opening. He was also grateful to many other persons associated with the property, in one way or another, for their assistance – and to all who attended the opening ceremony. He was delighted to be in Anguilla with his family and for the opportunity to be involved in historic Belmond Cap Juluca.
The opening ceremony included the cutting of the ribbon, the serving of various portions of chef delights, the conducting of guided tours of the property and fireworks.
